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A f agi^ant Srama nf ll|^ Nation 



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Presented by Memphis Pilgrim Tercentenary 
Association, at the Memphis Tri-State Fair, 
September 25th, 1 920, Celebrating the Ter- 
centenary Anniversary of the Landing of the 
Pilgrim Fathers. 



A jpaijpant Srama of tl^r Nattmt 

BY 

Auualj IRubiuBmi Watarnt 



THE PATH OF PROGRESS is national and patriotic 
in its appeal and true to the highest ideals of the great people 
whose history it hriefly outlines. It covers in its scope eight 
hundred years, from that struggle which won Magna Charta 
to the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and twenty, and pro- 
claims as its slogan, THE GLORY OF OUR PAST— THE 
INSPIRATION OF OUR FUTURE. It pictures the Court 
of King James, the Translators of the Holy Bihle, the coming 
of the Pilgrims to this country and touches, hut does not alter, 
the spirit of the idyllic traditional episode of early days, that in 
w hich Priscilla, John Aklen and Miles Standish figure. The 
Revolution, "Winning of the West", the War hetween the 
States, and the World War, follow in relative sequence. 

An author cannot make history nor create historic inci- 
dents hut ma}' present anew incidents already told many times 
over in such manner that they hecome more real and their in- 
fluence more enduring. The Path of Progress endeavors to 
clothe with fresh interest some of the glorious sentiments, tra- 
ditions and events of our national life and hy the aid of symhol- 
ism and dramatic action to hring them into closer relation w ith 
its audience. 

THE AUTHOR, 

Memphis, Tennessee, 

September, 1920 



(E\^t fatJi 0f Jprogr^as 



A Pagrant irama of tlj^ Nattnn 



Anuali ISobtnann HiJatanti 



all|f (ilnra of (§nx jpaat — Ul?? Sttsptratton of ©or S^uturF 



Presented by Memphis Pilgrim Tercente- 
nary Association, at the Memphis Tri- 
State Fair, September 25th, 1920. 

Celebrating the Tercentenary Anniver- 
sary of the Landing of the Pilgrim 
Fathers, 



COPYRIGHTED 1920 

BY 

ANNAH ROBINSON WATSON 



^C1.D 55886 

PRESS OF EARLY PTG. CO. 

MEMPHIS- TENN. 



SEP 23 1920 






THE PATH OF PROGRESS. 
A PAGEANT DRAMA OF THE NATION. 

FOREWORD. 

THE STORY OF THE DRAMA opens with the first 
struggle for personal liberty among Englishmen when the 
great Barons forced King John, in 1215, to meet them in 
the little valley of Runnymede and sign Magna Charta. 

It shows the same aspiration towards freedom when 
four hundred years later the Pilgrims left the home of 
their birth and sought another where religious freedom 
might be found. It tells that after a brief stay in Holland, 
they crossed the ocean in the Mayflower, reached the New 
World and cast anchor off Plymouth Rock, 1620. Here 
they lighted the Torch of Liberty, and although in three 
months more than half their number had perished from 
hardships and disease, those who remained endured as 
heroes and left us the inheritors of their splendid achieve- 
ments. 

Other colonists came, conditions improved, notwith- 
standing the hostility of some of the Indians, settlements 
multiplied and prospered. Then troubles with the mother 
country developed, the Revolution resulted, the Declaration 
of Independence was signed, the Colonies were victorious, 
the young nation called "COLUMBIA" was born. 

The thirteen colonies became states — twenty-one 
more had been added to the Union, when, in 1861, seces- 
sion of eleven states was followed by war. Peace was 
restored in 1865, and the North and South were reunited. 

Here the curtain falls over half a century, but 
suddenly it is lifted to show the effect of the stupen- 
dous conflict of 1914 — the World War. It shows the 
wounds of civil strife healed, America entering gloriously 
into the struggle and then it records the decisive blow 
struck by American troops in 1918. 

Many great personages appear throughout the pag- 
eant, but at its climax, 1920, with her soldiers, her beauti- 
ful women, the little chilidren she has sheltered, Columbia 
is surrounded by the symbolized forces of her splendid 
present and future — Religion, Progress, Victory, Peace, 
Prosperity and many others, and calls the suffering peoples 
of the world to come to her for aid and comfort. 

Her Messenger flies East and West, North and South 
to carry the invitation, and they come, with joy and splen- 
did comradeship, as the Pilgrims came three hundred years 

3 



ago, for Freedom and all good things, to COLUMBIA, the 
great Universal Home. 

**The Path of Progress" covers in its scope seven hun- 
dred years. It gives brief extracts from the famous docu- 
ments connected with its story — Magna Charta, Pilgrim's 
Compact, Declaration of Independence, Lincoln's Procla- 
mation and President Wilson's Message to Congress, fol- 
lowing which our nation entered the World War. 

The author has quoted from her work already pub- 
lished in ballad or other form of verse, where such quo- 
tations seemed to illuminate the spirit or purpose of the 
drama. In outlining history she appeals through panto- 
mime and symbolism to the imagination, and endeavors to 
present some of the glorious sentiments, traditions and 
events of our national life. A. R. W. 

Memphis, August, 1920. 



SYNOPSIS OF THE DRAMA. 
ACT ONE. 

Time, 1215. SCENE — The green meadow at Runnymede. 
The English Barons demand of King John that he sign 
Magna Charta. 

ACT TWO. 

Time, 1611. SCENE — Palace grounds of King James. 

Fete in honor of Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. Enter 
King James, Queen Anne, Princess Elizabeth and oth- 
ers. Dance of Greeting. The Masque of the Royal 
Children. Enter the Translators. Enter the Envoy of 
Progress. 

ACT THREE, 

Time 1620. SCENE 1 — The Pilgrims prepare to seek a 
new home. Group of Hollanders come to inrite them 
to make their home in Holland. Enter group of Dutch 
Merry Makers, to evidence the joy, awaiting those who 
come to their shore. 

SCENE 2 — Pilgrims land at Plymouth Roek and proceed to 
establish their homes. Chief Massasoit and party of 
Indian braves appear. Enter a frightful group, Fam- 
ine, Disease and Death ; over half the colony are 
stricken. Enter large number of new Colonists. Scene 
between Miles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla. 
ACT FOUR. 

SCENE 1 — Time Revolutionary Period. Enter British sol- 
diers and royal messengers, presenting demands, which 
colonists reject. Enter Washington with colonial 
troops. Enter Jefferson and others, signing of the 
Declaration of Independence. Enter Columbia, Prog- 
ress, Liberty and Thirteen States of Union. Enter 
gentlemen and ladies, colonial levee. 

SCENE 2 — Time, Period following Rerolution to 1865. En- 
ter Lewis and Clark, spirit of the West. Enter other 
States of Union. Enter banner-bearer with Lincoln's 
proclamation. Enter War, followed by Federal and 
Confederate troops. The eleven Southern States ad- 
vance to center of stage. Lee appears. Does rever- 
ence to Columbia and passes on to Virginia. Peace 
enters, followed by Envoy of Progress. 
ACT FIVE. 

The World War. Enter Avarice, Ambition, Confusion, 
etc. America enters the War. Enter Victory. 
Columbia's invitation to the World. Response of 
Nations. 

5 



DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 

King John, of England, 1215. 

Earl William de Warrenne and other knights. 

Robert de Vere and other barons. 

Pages and Banner Bearers. 

King James, 1611-1620. 

Queen Anne, his wife ; Queen Hortense, her sister. 

Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. 

Princess Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Earl of Mar, Vis- 
count Rochester. 

Joy Sprite, Messenger of Greeting. 

Scotch lads and lassies. Jesters. 

Royal Children, Pages, Maids and attendants. 

Envoy of Progress, Liberty, Religion, Education, 
Science, 

Dean of Translators, Leader of Separatists. 

Elder William Brewster, Miles Standish, John Alden, 
Priscilla. 

Governor William Bradford, Dame Bradford, Dame 
Brewster. 

Burgomaster, Massosoit, Indian chief. 

Disease, Famine, Death. 

Major Pitcairn, with British soldiers. Officers of the 
Crown. 

Washington, Jefferson, Columbia, 13 States. 

Meriwether Lewis, Clark, Indian guide. 

Additional States, North, South, War. 

General Lee. 

Peace, Victory, Prosperity, Messenger of Columbia. 

Angels, Messengers of the West, Colonial Ladies and 
Gentlemen. 

Foreign Groups — France, Belgium, Italy, Scandinavia, 
China, Greece, Russia, Japan, etc. ,etc. 



oii^urai;^ 



**®Ij0 fall? 0f fvoQvtBBr 

A PAGEANT DRAMA OF THE NATION. 

MAGNA CHARTA. 

And was it here where dimpling stream 
Went laughing, singing by, 

And where ye beauteous meadow green 
Within its clasp did lie? 

Aye, aye, 'twas here, at Runnymede, 
Was signed the famous English deed. 

The mighty barons, Hugh Bigod, 
And Gilbert, he, of Clare, 

And Saher de Quincy, Huntingfield, 
And Robert Vere de Vere, 

Met here, all dauntlessly agreed, 
That fateful day, at Runnymede. 

At Runnymede, beside the stream, 

The tyrant's heart beat low. 
For John o' Lackland needs must hear 
The message in its flow, 

To sign the Charta, as decreed, 
By them that day at Runnymede ! 



Act I. Period 1215. 

The green meadow of Runnymede, through which 
winds a little stream. Twenty-five English barons, 
each with page and banner bearer, dash across the 
field on prancing steeds. They alight, casting reins 
to their pages. Banner bearers follow barons and 
range themselves in background. Barons, with ges- 
tures of indignation, discuss their grievance against 
King John. 

Enter King John from opposite side of field, with 7 of his 
Knights. They spring from their horses, and take 
positions across the meadow from barons. 

Robert de Vere, advancing and speaking for the barons: 
"My liege, come we together this day, barons and 
lords of the Kingdom, each in his own right and each 
in prowess of arm and dauntlessness of heart, to de- 
mand such things as lawfully belong to English free- 
men. Nothing short of this will content those so long 



time suffering under the yoke of most grievous and 
unjust oppression!" 

Earl William de Warrenne: 

"What would ye have, most reckless and unruly bar- 
ons, what, I demand in the name of your rightful lord 
and master. King John?" 

Robert de Vere: 

"What would we have? Dare you make so empty 
a query when the cruelty and injustice of the crowM 
cry aloud to heaven for vengeance?" 

Earl de Warrenne: 

"Why parley and prate with so many and such idle 
words? Answer the king plainly, what is it ye desire 
of his majesty?" 

Robert de Vere: 

"That he sign without delay this Charta, this Magna 

Charta, by which for all time the rights and liberties 

of English freemen will be secured." 

(Warrenne confers with the King; then approaches 

the barons.) 

"Give this weighty document into mine own kand tkat 

it be shown unto the King." 

Robert de Vere (advancing, charta in hand) : 

"I will read it into his royal ears, so they be for the 
moment unstopped of gross selfishness and rancor. 
So loud will I read it that not only must the King 
and this Kingdom hear, but all the Kingdoms of the 
world and all the peoples of Kingdoms yet unborn!" 

King John struts forward : 

"A pretty varlet is Robert de Vere, we will hear his 
vain preachment." 

Robert de Vere in loud, passionate tones: 

"First, my liege lord, 'no freeman shall be convicted 
save by the lawful judgment of his peers!' " (Extract 
from the Charta.) 

Barons : 

"Hear! Hear!" 

King John's followers: 

"God save the King!" 

(De Vere continues to read.) 

King John: 

"I am weary of this bombastic mouthing of nothing! 
Go you, Warrenne, read the scroll and bring me word 
of its import." 

(Warrenne advances to the stream where a rude bridge 
of fallen trees makes crossing possible and calls:) 

8 



"In the name of the King, I demand that Robert de 
Vere bring to me here this document which he styles 
'Magna Charta!' " 
Robert de Vere: 

"In the name of these here assembled, Barons of the 
realm who are ready to defend the claims therein 
made by blood in wager of battle, I will meet thee, 
William de Warrenne, the Charta in hand!" 
(The two meet upon the bridge. Warrenne glances 
over the scroll and with arrogant lifting of head, re- 
turns to the King, who, with his retinue, draws aside 
for conference.) 

The herald who had accompanied the barons, ad- 
vances, beckoning to the standard bearers to come 
forward. They advance in regular procession, each 
lifting his standard and calling aloud the name of his 
master. 

As the last is called, Warrenne advances and shouts 
in loud voice: 

"The King graciously consents to place his signet upon 
the paper prepared by the misguided barons. Come 
hither, Robert de Vere, bring the scroll that the King 
may set his seal thereto." 

(Robert advances, followed by the other barons; the 
King and his adherents advance. Warrenne holds his 
shield so that the parchment may be laid thereon; the 
King affixes his seal. 



Fanfare of trumpets, King and retinue retiring in one 
direction, barons in the other. 



ACT TWO— SCENE I. 

Palace grounds of King James, (1st of England, 6th of 

Scotland.) Fete in honor of Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. 

(Enter trumpeters and heralds, Viscount Rochester, Court 

favorite and Master of Ceremonies and the Joy Sprite.) 

Dance of Joy. 

Rochester: "Hear! Hear! by command of their majes- 
ties. King James and his consort, Queen Anne, is a 
fete to be held in honor of their noble son, Henry, 
Prince of Wales! Behold, members of the royal house 
of Stuart, with lords and ladies of the Court are now 
at hand!" 

Enter King James and courtiers. 
" Queen Anne, lords and ladies. 

" Hortense, Queen of Denmark, (sister of Queen 
Anne), with retinue. 



** Princess Elizabeth, with maids and pages, followed 
by group of Highland lads and lassies. 

" Group of Court Jesters. 

Little Prince Charles, ladies and gentlemen in at- 
tendance, and two score of his little compan- 
ions. 

" From opposite side of stage Prince Henry with Earl 
of Mar, and retinue. 

DANCE OF GREETING. 
Earl of Mar: 

"With reverence to your majesties and to the noblee 
here assembled, do I, Earl of Mar, appear today. 
Guardian of a prince as beauteous in mind and body 
as any loyal people need wish to honor! See him. 
Henry, Prince of Wales!" 
(Loud acclaim from the people.) 
Prince Henry : 

"To your royal majesties, from whom, by grace of 
God, I derive my birth and heritage, do I here declare 
humble and faithful allegiance. To the sweet prin- 
cess, Elizabeth, and the little Prince Charles, my near- 
est of kin, do I pledge loving care and protection 
and to the people of that realm, to whom in God's 
time, I may come as sovereign, do I here pledge my 
troth as a prince, with service of body and sword, so 
long as I may live!" 
(Acclaim of the people.) 

Princess Elizabeth (advancing towards him, lifted sword 
in hand: "A sword, a gift from our royal mother. 
A blade to be unsheathed in defense of honor and 
country!" 

(Henry embraces her and turns to Queen Anne:) 

"My humble thanks, most royal mother! thanks and 
avowal of filial devotion, now and ever!" 

Queen Anne: 

"Oh, noble son, first born and most tenderly beloved 
in the chronicle of life I make record of myself as 
first a woman, second a wife, third a mother, which 
I account the highest estate to which any may aspire. 
Lastly, am I a Queen, of small consequence this to 
my heart, save as it made me mother to such a 
prince!" 

Court Dance — Highland Dance: 

(Queen Anne stands with her arm upon the shoulder 
of the Prince as Princess Elizabeth with her train 

10 



of maids and pages advances. They pass into a 
Court Dance of beauty and dignity, and then take 
positions near the Queen. The Scotch lads and las- 
sies now come foroward in a Highland Dance of gay 
figures. The jesters, off to one side, but in full view, 
are indulging in grotesque imitations of everything 
done.) 

The Masque of the Royal Children: 

(Little Prince Charles, with attending ladies, gentle- 
men and two score little companions, now turns to- 
wards the Prince as, from entrance on right side of 
audience, a wonderful little chariot appears. It is a 
huj?e golden blossom, wheels concealed by leaves, 
and drawn by ten or more Pixies, tiny creatures 
of tie woodland recesses, in close fitting costumes of 
pale wisteria or lark spur tint. They are harnessed 
to the chariot and enter at a brisk pace, pause before 
the little Prince, who springs into the chariot and 
is drawn to position immediately in front of Prince 
Henry.) 

Prince Charles: 

"A gift, most royal brother, a girdle with which to 
bind upon thy loins the sword which mayhap will 
serve England in time of need!" 

Prince Henry : 

"Blessings on thee, little Charlie!" 
(Kisses him, the chariot moves on across and around 
forefront of stage, the children following. These 
represent garden folk, and each carries a flower as 
tall as himself, which almost conceals the little being 
by which it is borne. The Lily, Rose, Pansy, Chrysan- 
themum, Iris, Sweet Pea, Tiger Lily, etc., etc. As 
the procession follows the Golden Chariot, each 
flower salutes Prince Henry, in passing. As the last 
has reached him there appears from entrance on left 
of audience, a radiant company, led by a sea shell 
chariot, rose and amber and amethyst, irridescent 
and glistening; it is so constructed that no wheels 
are seen, and is drawn by six beautiful little mer- 
maids, their golden hair loose and ornamented by 
brilliants, their shining forms giving no suggestion oi 
the little feet drawing the chariot. In this stands 
Neptuna, daughter of the Monarch of the Sea, who 
holds aloft a Trident, tipped with diamonds, gift to 
Prince Henry in token that Spain, having lost her 

11 



Armada, the dominance of the sea, belongs now to 
him and his nation. The chariot is followed by dol- 
phins leaping in sportive fashion. It pauses before 
the Prince, upon whom Neptuna bestows the Trident. 
At this moment the chariot of Prince Charles has 
completed circuit of the stage, pauses behind the 
sea shell. He leaps out, greets Neptuna, they pass tc 
forefront of stage, followed by the Garden Folk, and 
join with them in a frolicsome dance and song, which 
completes "The Masque of the Royal Children.") 

"We are the gay little garden folk! 
At earliest dawn we all awoke, 

For Kings and Queens and Princes fair 

Could have no fete, were we not there! 

Rose and Jonquil, Forget-me-not, 

Tiger Lily with velvet spot. 
Tulips and Pansies, Chrysanthemums, 

Each with its own sweet message comes. 

'Hail to the Prince!' — hear the Blue Bells ring, 
'Crown him with love!' the Violets sing; 

All are here, for there'd be no Fete 

If the Garden Folk failed to decorate." 

Rochester (advancing towards entrance on right of audi- 
ence) : 

"Who comes in such solemn guise? What would 
you gentlemen?" 
(Enter group of Translators.) 

Dean of Translators: 

"To the most high and mighty Prince James, by the 
grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and 
Ireland * * * mover and author of our work 
do we come upon this great day that he may know 
the translation of the Holy Scriptures by him com- 
manded, is now rapidly nearing completion." (Turn- 
ing to the King) : "The Lord of heaven and earth 
bless your Majesty with many happy days." 
(Words of the Dean taken mainly from preface tc 
King James' version of the Bible). 
(This group supposed to number 54, is costumed in 
grey, students' gowns and caps. The Dean carries 
a scroll upon which are the above words, which is 
unrolled and lifted as he speaks. The King bows as 

12 



they pass on, then turns towards entrance as notes 
of a silver trumpet are heard.) 

Rochester advances to meet a magnificent group. 

Trumpeter pauses, crying aloud : 

"The Envoy of Progress come to consult with the 
great King James!" 

Rochester, a sneer upon his lips: 

"Consult with! A brave figure and a brave purpose 
by my troth!" (Glances at the envoy and walks at 
his side towards the King. The retinue of the Envoy 
consists of his trumpeter, banner bearer, Liberty, Re- 
ligion, Education and Science. Liberty is gowned in 
clinging robes of white over which a thin, grey dra- 
pery falls, one of her hands is bound. It is evident 
that she is not free. The other figures wear symbolic 
costumes.) 

Progress pauses near the King: 

"All hail, most gracious monarch! Famed abroad 
for learning, for power of poesy, for a mind inclined 
to measures which should insure the good of his king- 
dom, mayhaps, the good of the world, concerns which 
may with credit occupy the thoughts of so mighty a 
monarch." 

King James: 

"Well said, noble Envoy; what is the purpose of thy 
coming?" ^ 

Envoy : 

"My purpose, most august sovereign, is, I may say 
to plead the cause of the world, the advancement 
and enlightenment of its people, the granting, to 
some who crave benefactions from the King, his in- 
dulgence. There are those who ask for liberty, lib- 
erty of person, but most of all, for liberty of thought 
and liberty to worship God after the dictates of theii 
own hearts." 

King James t 

"It would appear that the noble envoy is not fully 
acquainted with the scope of my reign. I rule by 
divine right, and have doubtless taken into account 
more than his limited vision could make possible 
Progress is well, forsooth, but must be directed ac- 
cording to the wisdom of the King!" 
Envoy : 

"Most royal sir, I come from a great King, the King 
and Creator of the universe, He who breathed the 

13 



breath of life into the nostrils of man, who inspires 
him to all good, and in accord with whose mandate? 
we must ever strive to ascend upon the Path oi 
Progress to higher and yet higher heights of achieve- 
ment." 
Master of Ceremonies (interrupting with gestures of impa- 
tience) : 

"A solemn company to do honor to the King ap- 
proaches; they bring a petition!" 
(Enter a band of Separatists). 
Progress meets them, receives their petition, and turns 
to the King, exclaiming: 

"Oh, King, I crave indulgence! I would offer fron: 
loyal subjects a petition which they deem worthy 
and reasonable, though mayhap not favoured of all 
It is even that the Church be separated from the 
State. I would read the same to this honorable 
company!" 
The King (with contempt) : 

"Speak not of this treasonable matter. Bid then: 
depart and be thankful they escape their deserts.' 
(Enter band of 100 Pilgrims, Elder Brewster and others.) 
Progress advances to meet them, saying: 

"Apostle of Freedom, I greet thee!" 
Brewster: 

"If the soul be not free, if it be not permitted to seek 
its Maker after the manner dictated by its own yearn- 
ings and convictions, how shall it find Him at all? 
Apostle of the freedom of the soul ! To this high call- 
ing would I aspire!" 
Envoy : 

"And how shall I aid so high a purpose?" 
Brewster : 

"By importuning the King in our behalf. By per- 
suading him to permit the service of the King ol 
Heaven as our souls demand, not as earthly King 
nor parliament may decree" 
Envoy beckons to Rochester, they approach the King 

speaking earnestly together. 
Envoy : 

"Your Majesty, I offer the petition of one who may 
be styled "Apostle to the Soul," since it doth appear 
that his only concerns in life are such as touch the 
affairs of the soul. He is called Elder Brewster, is 
the spiritual leader of a band calling themselves 'Pil- 

14 



grims,' and they desire royal sanction for the worship 
of God after their own manner." 

King: 

"Bid this 'Apostle of the Soul' hold his peace! He, 
and such as he greatly disturb the tranquility of the 
realm, and have done much to unsettle the minds of the 
faithful. I will have none of them, nor of their pe- 
titions!" 

(Envoy returns to Pilgrims, confers with Brewster. Court 
groups have been slowly drifting from the scene, fol- 
lowed by Translators, Separatists leave from opposite 
side, exchange greetings with pilgrims as they pass. 
Progress and retinue in extreme rear of stage parti- 
ally visible.) 

ACT THREE— SCENE I. 
Pilgrims in foreground, stage darkens. 

Elder Brewster: 

"Our help is in the Lord Jehovah!" 
(They kneel in prayer with faces uplifted. A v^ision 
of angels appears, they rise in holy joy, singing. The 
vision fades and in its place is a vision of flaming 
messengers of the West, beckoning ; as stage brightens 
the vision disappears.) 

Enter Group of Hollanders, Burgomasters, etc., come to 
invite the Pilgrims to take refuge in Leyden. 

Burgomaster : 

"Good day! Good day, masters! We wish you joy 
and much good fortune, for all it is said that you 
have fallen upon evil times. We come to offer home 
and welcome in our own country, in happy Holland." 

Elder Brewster: 

"Of a truth, good sirs, it would appear that the times 
hold so much of evil it is the more our duty to better 
them. We do not despair but look to Heaven for 
deliverance." 

Burgomaster : 

"I would not claim that Holland is Heaven, but well 
am I persuaded that it more resembles Heaven than 
does England." 

Elder Brew^ster: 

"Good friends we give hearty thanks for your kind- 
liness, and will of surety consider the import of your 
words." 

Dutch Dance: 

(Hollanders pass on. Elder Brewster confers with the 
group of pilgrims, some seem to oppose, others to 

15 



favor acceptance of the invitation. Their attention 
is suddenly drawn to a company of merry-makers, Hol- 
landers, youths and maidens who enter, singing and 
dancing, as to evidence the joy awaiting those who 
come to their shores. The pilgrims shake their heads 
— to such sober folk this appears great levity. The 
dancers pass on, pilgrims disperse.) 

ACT THREE— SCENE 11. 
(Stage darkens — thunder and lightning, a ship is 
seen in far background, tossing in a raging storm, 
Stage gradually brightens, but light remains dim and 
shows faintly the country to which the pilgrims are 
journeying) . 
Enter party of Indians from left. Chief Massasoit, men 
and women and children, group of braves in war 
paint, maidens and youths dancing, etc., etc. Indians 
disappearing towards right; a few linger as pilgrims 
appear from middle entrance in rear.) 

PILGRIMS, HAVING LANDED AT PLYMOUTH ROCK, 

FIND THEIR NEW HOME. 
Elder Brewster: 

"We have been comforted in time of storm and pro- 
tected from terrors of the deep ! The Lord Jehovah 
be praised!" (Raises his eyes to heaven; they kneel 
in thanksgiving. A moment's silence, then the com- 
pany rises.) 

Elder Brewster; 

"Men and brethren, in the sight of God and with 
our faces turned towards the heart of this great new 
country, we swear to keep faith with each other, to 
hold sacred this solemn compact! Swear!" (Each man 
lifts his right hand as Brewster reads from compact). 
"We whose names are underwritten, having under- 
taken for the glory of God and advancement of the 
Christian faith a voyage to plant the first Colonie in 
Northern parts of Virginia, doe solemnly in 
the presence of God, combine ourselves together, to 
enact and frame such just and equal laws as shall 
be most mete for the general good of the Colonie." 

Miles Standish: 

"Now to the work awaiting us!" 
(Each has come from the ship laden with household 
articles, kettles, bags, baskets, etc. The men hasten 
out and return with wood. The women help to make 
a fire. When the blaze becomes strong, Elder Brew- 

16 



ster advances to a pine tree, cuts a branch, lights this 
from the fire, lifts it towards heaven with a prayer, 
then plants it firmly in the ground, calling aloud), 
"The Torch of Liberty! The Torch of Liberty!" (Pil- 
grims gather around it). 

Bradford : 

"May it light our path in the new country!" 

Alden : 

"May it never be extinguished, but bum through all 
the ages yet to come!" 

(Men and women go back and forth, bringing and 
dividing personal belongings, then separating into lit- 
tle family groups.) 

(The work of home-making continues, but suddenly 
clouds gather, wind howls, hail is heard, the children 
shiver with cold, women wrap them closer and hold 
them in their arms. The little ones begin to cry 
and beg for bread.) 

Enter a frightful group, (Famine, Disease, Death and their 
minions. They pass among the pilgrims, taunting 
and sneering, the victims are overcome, as they fall, 
weeping friends carry out the dead bodies.) 
(Only a half of the original number remains. These 
work and pray and gather about the torch of Liberty.) 

Elnter large number of new colonists. (Elder Brewster's 
daughters among them. Bradford is made Governor. 
He and Dame Bradford in central positions.) 

Enter Indian. Casts the snakeskin challenge, a bundle of 
arrows tied with snakeskin, at the feet of the 
Governor. Standish picks it up; he and Bradford 
confer, fill skin with shot and powder. Standish 
and followers are commissioned to deliver to Indians. 

Scene between Miles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla* 

(The men near front of stage on left of audience, 
Priscilla with group of children playing a solemn 
game on opposite side, to extreme right.) 

Standish : 

"It is a friend's service I ask of thee, John, yet there 
would seem to be hesitation in acceptance of the mis- 
sion." 

Alden: 

"I did not so intend it to appear — but — it is a most 
difficult matter, this wooing a maid for another." 
(He turns aside in evident confusion.) ^ 

Standish : 

"Not so difficult, I take it, as wooing for one's self — 
or — so I am minded." 

17 



Alden : 

"What should I say — put words into my mouth that 
I make no blunder." 

Standish : 

"Zounds, man! Soft of speech art thou, gentle of man- 
ner; I am a soldier; it is thou must frame the words 
that would win her!" 

Alden : 

(Gazing off towards the group of children). "See 
she is there, beauteous as the morning, graceful as 
the birds flitting overhead or the swaying branches 
of low bending trees!" 

Standish : 

"It would appear that praise of her comes easily to 
thee. I said but now that thou wert very soft of 
speech; go, give her my message, John, and be sure 
thou dost use the sweetest words in all thy heart's 
vocabulary." 

(Alden turns towards Priscilla, who, at the moment 
is leaving the children. He pauses to pluck a flower 
and advances slowly with perplexity evident in man- 
ner and expression of countenance. Priscilla sud- 
denly looks up and sees him, but endeavors to con- 
ceal the fact, and he calls.) 

Alden : 

"Whither so fast, Mistress Priscilla? I would have 
a word with thee!" 

Priscilla : 

"Only one, let that be the bargain then, but what one, 
I pray thee?" 

Alden : 

"I was but jesting; one many times multiplied would 
yet leave much unsaid between us." 

Priscilla : 

"Be not so serious. Master Alden! Hast thou come 
to reprimand me for smiling too much, for unseemly 
speech or demeanor?" 

Alden : 

"I come upon a much more serious matter, commis- 
sioned to bring to thee a precious gift from one de- 
serving well of every Mayflower man or maid. Let 
this blossom aid in telling the import of the message 
I bring." 

Priscilla : 

"Neither thy words nor the flower speak clearly." 
(He hands her the flower.) 

18 



Alden : 

"Is the blossom not a fit messenger of love, does it 
not suggest that love is the word it holds in its heart?" 

Priscilla : 

"What riddle dost thou propound? — Love? — and 

whose love?" 

(Her eyes are downcast, Alden comes closer.) 

Alden: 

"Whose love? That of our gallant Miles Standish! 
He has commissioned me to speak for him!" 
(She starts and turns pale.) 

Priscilla : 

"Miles Standish! And he entrusts his love-message to 
another and sends one flower as his ally — was the 
meadow so niggardly that it would aid him only so 
far in such a mission?" 
(She laughs nervously as Alden exclaims:) 

Alden: 

"I have spoken but poorly, bear with me, sweet Pris- 
cilla — I will essay to speak more worthily in this 
enterprise!" 

Priscilla : 

"Bear with thee? That were quite another matter, 
John — " (She tosses her head and turns from him.) 
"As to Captain Standish, I am persuaded that he 
were better at taming savages than at winning the 
heart of a maid. Governor Bradford has need of 
him, not I!" 

(She glances at John from beneath lowered lids and 
turns abruptly away.) 

Alden: 

"Prithee give me an answer, sweet Priscilla!" 

Priscilla : 

"Give thee an answer? Thou didst not ask for thy- 
self, John." 

(He catches her hand, kisses it and hastens away to- 
wards Standish.) 

(This brief sketch follows somewhat the accepted 
story, but with original treatment.) 

ACT FOUR— SCENE 1. 
Enter British Soldiers and royal messengers; (they pre- 
sent demands which colonists reject. Latter hasten 
out with angry gestures, return with such weapons 
as can be hastily gathered. British have already 
marched off. American Patriots follow, each lights 

19 



and carries with him a torch from the Torch of Lib- 
erty.) 

Enter Washington with Colonial troops — banner with 13 
stars. 

Washington, looking upon his men : 

"Whence comes the spirit which informs their souls? 
Whence comes the impulse which in these dark days 
Has wrought for high achievement in the new 
America? Ah, the patriot blood they spilled 
From those through centuries tutored well was draWa, 
The impulse strong, heroic, steadfast, unsubdued, 
Was shaped and at the Forge of Ages grew!" 

Elnter Jefferson and others, signing of Declaration of In- 
dependence. 

Jefferson reads: 

"Men are endowed by their Creator with certain un- 
alienable rights. Among these are. Life, Liberty and 
the pursuit of happiness." (Extract from Declaration.) 

Enter Columbia, Progress, Liberty, etc., and the 13 States. 
(As Columbia appears, suddenly, the peal of the Lib- 
erty Bell is heard, and above her head is seen the 
bell outlined in electric light. Her group advances 
and) 

Progress cries aloud: 

"Proclaim! Proclaim! throughout all the land 
That the people thereof shall be free!" 

(These words are on the Liberty Bell.) 
"Let it ring down the ages as beam from a star, 
Extinguished long eons ago. 
Still reaches the eyes it has filled with delight 
And illumines them yet with its glow!" 

Enter ladies and gentlemen for Colonial Levee — Colonial 
dance, participants retire to rear of stage. 
ACT FOUR— SCENE IL 

Enter Meriwether Lewis, Clark and followers. (Small 
group of Indians meet them. Woman joins their 
party as guide. Figures seen early in pageant (the 
messengers of the West) are beckoning ;other fig- 
ures drift from stage, except Columbia, 13 States, 
Liberty, Progress and group.) 

(Elnter all other States of the Union, to date 1860, with 
them two figures, the North and the South. All have 
taken places when banner bearer enters. His flag 
shows proclamation) : 

"I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States 
* * * call forth * * the militia of the several 

20 



states of the Union, to the aggregate number of 
75,000 in order to * * * cause the laws to be 
duly executed." (April 15, 1861.) 
(From this point action is vigorous and must convey 
impression of laspe of time.) 

Enter War, (standing erect in fiery chariot, brandishing 
sword, dashes across stage. Columbia lifts her arms 
as in protest, while troops in Federal and Confeder- 
ate uniforms appear on both sides of stage, as though 
drilling and preparing for battle. Seceding States 
begin to leave the larger group.) 

South Carolina: 

''See! Sudden angry clouds in Northern sky, 
And gathering gloom where erst was sunlit space: 
With warning bugle blast which thrills and calls 
And stirs the haughty South to hot reply!" 

Florida : 

"It comes, a challenge from the hostile States, 
And from the South, in clarion tones, a cry 
That crashes cross the listening Continent!" 

The South: 

"Aye, from my lips the mother-cry, 

Which wakes the Continent, from Mexic fields. 

To California's distant golden gate. 

To tropic Florida and 'cross the gulf 

Where New Orleans in flowered beauty lies." 

Enter Lee. (He does reverence to Columbia, who endeav- 
ors to detain him, passes on to Virginia, and kneel- 
ing, lays his sword at her feet, he rises and she 
buckles it upon him.) 

(Confederate forces gather about Lee. Federals on 
other side of stage — War in foreground.) 

Georgia : 

"Hear, Georgia cries in eager martial tones, 
'To arms! Oh valiant sons of valiant sires! 
Come! Buckle shield and helmet in defense 
Of those fair homes that boast your fealty!" 

Arkansas : 

"The sullen boom of guns. 

Of alien guns, comes thundering through the South! 

Her loyal sons spring to defense, and Lee 

Goes forth — at dawn to prayer, at noon 

To bloody field, at night, o'er mountain wilds 

With Stuart's horsemen dashing through the dark 

To show where bivouacks the mighty foe." 

21 



Virginia : 

"But of our sons, the knightliest of them all, 
Is he, so simply great that greatest deed 
Nor leveling commonplace can change his mien, 
Is one whose presence stirs all lesser souls 
To reverence, apprehending as they gaze. 
That here is flower of most exalted chivalry, 
A heart that calmly scorns Ambition's lure. 
That steadfast turns unaltered to its own 
In time of need and stress and threatening woe, 
That offers to its home, to fair Virginia, 
A sword which neither now nor e'er may know 
A stain the purest blade might blush to claim." 
(Columbia in tears, Liberty veiled. Progress manacled.) 
(Firing of guns heard). 

Lee, to his men: 

"Come, face the foe at any cost! 
Come, battle, tho' all should seem lost! 
Come, starve, but reach the heights somehow! 
And die, what matter then or now. 
So we have done our uttermost!" 
(Firing of guns, roaring of cannon). 

Tennessee : 

"Ah, days of mingled glory and despair! 
Ah, days that see through tears brave Stuart fall, 
See Malvern Hill, Manassas drenched in gore. 
See Gettysburg and now the Wilderness, 
And now, and now. Surrender, and the end 
Of bravest fight the Valiant ever made!" 

(Sudden darkness, firing of guns, cannon, drums. 
Light comes slowly, War has disappeared.) 

Enter Peace: (Two flags brought forward, that of the 
South handed to Lee. He furls it reverently and en- 
trusts it to the South.) 

South : 

The gentlest knight, as told of Galahad, 
That ever bore a shield or brak a lance, 
Of whom we boast with loving, reverent pride. 
That God is proved in making such a man!" 

Mississippi: 

"But Lee, he was not conquered! The Cause had failed 

For which his people died, but Conqueror he 

Save 'gainst the odds defying mortal might, 

And in the bitter anguish of defeat 

He towers on far supernal heights where Fame 

Unsought, will find and humbly kneel to him!" 

22 



North: 

"Aye, at last, surrender for the Gray! 

Though South nor North was seeking sordid gain 

Nor ruthless conquest, nor yet a sceptered power! 

They battled for a faithful concept, each. 

Of principle, for duty each conceived 

Was blazoned on the heaven's azure scroll; 

For this each sacrificed its best beloved! 

But now, today, with loyal hearts they stand 

United, Blue and Gray; no North, no South, 

The valiant sons of valiant sires through all 

Revolving cycles of eternity." 

South : 

"Forward! the trail leads on, by Valor blazed! 
Though Glory smiles through tears and grudging Fame 
To Failure grants but a withered wreath of bay; 
By Destiny defied, but not dismayed. 
They wrest achievement from the hand of Fate! 
And Forward press, my people, to the goal!" 
(Suddenly a peal from the Liberty Bell is heard.) 

Progress : 

"Proclaim! Proclaim throughout all the land, 
That the people thereof shall be free!" 

®lj? Morl& Mar. 

Chariot of War dashes in, followed by figures symbolizing 
Confusion, Death, etc. 

ACT FIVE. 

(The United States enters the World War. Progress 

quotes from message of President Wilson.) "The 

Right is more precious than Peace. We shall fight 

for the things which we have always carried nearest 

our hearts!" (April 2, 1917), and continues: 

"His voice above the crash of crumbling thrones 

Hath spoken, unafraid, to hearts of men! 

Across the continents, around the globe. 

Its message thrills and echoes back again; 

This voice from architect of nations pleads 

For building by a Master Builder's plan, 

The plan of Him, who in the beginning traced 

The blue-print of the heaven's enduring span!" 

(Columbia, Progress, Liberty, Religion to forefront. 

Wild cheering and tumultuous music, men of North 

and South rally side by side, hundreds of troops in 

khaki appear. Red Cross Nurses with them. 

23 



Moment of darkness followed by dazzling light.) 

Enter Victory, a glorious figure, bringing a crown of laurel 
to Columbia. With her appears Prosperity, a figure 
of majestic proportions, in symbolic costume, followed 
by troop of American soldiers in khaki. A group of 
children from the devastated countries accompanies 
the other figures. Enthusiastic cheering.) 

Columbia, with Progress on elevation : 

"Victory! aye! but 'tis as were my heart the heart 
of the world! So tenderly does it beat in unison 
With the bleeding hearts of suffering nations. 
Bid them come, come for aid, for comfort, to Columbia. 
Speed, my Messenger! God speed thee with these 

words!" 
(Messenger goes swiftly, north, south, east, west, 
crying: "Come! Come! Come!" 

Response of Nations, Belgium, France, Italy, Greece, 
Scandinavia, Holland, Ireland, Russia, etc., the nations 
impersonated by dancers, etc. All groups return, join 
in grand procession circling about Columbia. 

Progress : 

"Where great Columbia's domain, with its reach 
From sea to sea, by purple mountains girt. 
Sends far its fragrant highways, hear the tread 
Of all the welcome multitudes who greet 
With upturned faces, glad Columbia — 
The hope of One Great Universal Race!" 

STAR SPANGLED BANNER 
FINALE. 



24 



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